a16z V-BAT Internal Training Instructor (R5023)
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
The V-BAT Internal Training Instructor is responsible for executing and maintaining standardized training for Shield AI Aircraft Operators and Maintenance Technicians. This role serves as a training standardization authority, ensuring all personnel are qualified, current, and prepared to support operational requirements.
What you'll do:
- Deliver initial qualification training for Aircraft Operators and Maintenance Technicians
- Conduct instructor upgrades, evaluations, and endorsements required for operational events
- Ensure adherence to standardized procedures, checklists, and training requirements
- Maintain oversight of individual qualifications, currency, and additional requirements
- Evaluate trainee performance and certify readiness for operational tasking
- Support development and refinement of training materials, syllabi, and evaluation criteria
- Enforce training standards and identify gaps in performance, curriculum, or execution
- Coordinate with operations, standardization, and maintenance teams to align training with mission requirements
- Support test events, exercises, and deployments as required
- Provide mentorship and guidance to operators and technicians to maintain a high standard of performance
Required qualifications:
- Experience as a UAS operator, maintainer, or military aviation instructor
- Background in structured training environments with formal evaluation processes
- Strong understanding of aviation procedures, safety, and standardization
- Experience conducting evaluations, certifications, or qualifications
- Ability to enforce standards and provide clear, direct feedback
- Strong communication and organizational skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Instructor Pilot (IP), Evaluator (EP), or equivalent designation
- Experience with Group 3–5 UAS or comparable systems
- Background in maintenance training or certification programs
- Experience supporting operational or deployed environments
- At least 3000 documented unmanned flight hours or 1500 manned flight hours
- FAA Private Pilot License (PPL)
- FAA Instrument Rating and/or Commercial Pilot Rating
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Work Environment:
- Combination of classroom, simulator, and field environments
- Travel required for training support, testing, and deployments
- Work may include austere or remote locations
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.